Modern charging infrastructure for electric buses in Karlsruhe, Germany: VBK opts for Kempower solution
Verkehrsbetriebe Karlsruhe (VBK) has implemented future-proof charging infrastructure for its growing fleet of electric buses at its depot on Wikingerstraße in Karlsruhe. Together with eebc GmbH as the responsible implementation partner, the depot was equipped with 16 Kempower Power Units and 44 Kempower Control Units. This means that 44 of the total 48 parking spaces have access to fast charging.
Electrification as the driver of the mobility transition in Karlsruhe
The Kempower Control Units are installed on the ceiling to save space. Charging takes place overnight in classic depot operation. VBK currently operates 24 electric buses from MAN, which will be doubled to 48 vehicles by early 2026. This means that around 80% of inner-city buses in Karlsruhe will be fully electric in the future – a decisive step towards sustainable local transport.
“The new Kempower charging points make us more flexible at the depot. They allow our e-buses to be charged reliably and easily – and if the fleet grows, the system can be expanded without any problems. This means we are well equipped for the future,” says Frank Berger, Fleet Management, Verkehrsbetriebe Karlsruhe (VBK).
Flexible and scalable charging infrastructure
The modular Kempower Power Units and Control Units dynamically distribute the available power and enable simultaneous operation of multiple charging points. Thanks to the compact design, the usable space in the depot is optimally preserved.
The system is specially designed for line operation: reliable, expandable, and low-maintenance. With the planned expansion of the e-bus fleet to 48 vehicles by 2026, the charging infrastructure is already designed for growth today.
Digital support from Kempower ChargEye
In addition to the charging hardware, Kempower ChargEye is also being used in Karlsruhe. The cloud-based management software enables VBK to efficiently monitor and control the charging infrastructure. This makes the entire charging process more transparent, flexible, and even easier to use on a daily basis—both for operators and drivers.
Strong partnership in implementation
As the executing partner, eebc European Electrical Bus Company supported the implementation of the project and took on parts of the installation and commissioning of the charging points.
“The successful implementation in Karlsruhe shows how important partnership-based cooperation is for electric mobility in public transport. Kempower providesreliable, future-proof technology that can be flexibly adapted to the requirements of our customers. Together with VBK, we have implemented a charging setup that works optimally both today and in the future,” says Thomas Mang, Managing Director of eebc.
